European Championships 2015

Stuart Mackay, Bob Mitchell and Stephen 'Ped' Pirie made a gallant effort representing Scotland at this year's championships, held at Oostduinkerke, Belgium, finishing in 32nd, 39th & 42nd respectively. The four days of racing started on day one, Saturday, with an onshore wind and three races completed to validate the championship. Sunday turned out to be a nice sunny day, but with the good weather, we also lost the wind for the day. The wind returned on the Monday, unfortunately as an offshore, with the inherent gusts that Belgium is renowned for, four races were squeezed in bringing the total to seven.

Monday also brought another change in the weather with constant rain virtually all day, the organisers kept hoping for a break earlier than the forecasted time but alas, the championship was called to a close early afternoon as the beach started to succumb to the incoming tide. Everyone enjoyed the Belgium organisers' hospitality for the championships with some fancy dress antics at the Sunday evening social which was based on a prehistoric theme, the Scottish contingent joining in with the revelry. The closing ceremony for Class 8 and mini yachts on the Tuesday evening, with the prizes and championship trophies being presented, brought the event to an end.

The coming year, 2016, sees the championships being hosted from 22nd to 26th August at La Franqui in the South of France.